Committee advances bill to add foster parents to state paid parental leave

On Feb. 18 the State and Local Government Committee advanced House Bill 0957, which would include foster parents among state employees eligible for existing paid parental leave. Representative Slater, sponsor of the amended bill, told the committee the measure aligns the timing for charity shutdown filings (amendment context) and, more important, extends eligibility so foster parents and adoptive parents receive the same administrative leave available to birth parents under current law.

"This bill adds foster parents to the state's existing paid parental leave policy for state government employees and includes guardrails to ensure the leave is used appropriately," Representative Slater said, clarifying the bill does not increase the six-week maximum period in current law.

Several members pressed the sponsor on practical effects and scope. Representative Leatherwood said he remained concerned about providing leave for caregivers of minors up to age 18 and asked whether the program in practice would be used for school-age children who quickly enter mandatory schooling. Representative Carringer and others described situations in which foster children require medical appointments, therapy and extra caregiving time that can justify short-term leave. Representative Moon reminded colleagues these are wards of the state with scheduled oversight and appointments.

Sponsor Slater and supporters emphasized the change was intended to encourage foster parenting among state employees without expanding the overall leave allotment. The committee voted to advance the bill to calendar and rules (20 ayes, 1 no). Representative Slater said the intent is to reduce barriers for foster placements by ensuring state employees have parity with other new-parent leave policies.

Next steps for HB 0957 include final floor consideration and any fiscal or implementation details required by the state human resources office.